By Chris Parker
Pierce City girls basketball won 16 games last season, which was the most for the program since 2018.
“We were blessed with a strong group of girls last year and are fortunate enough to have several returning-with a bit more experience under their belts,” Pierce City head coach Ragan Kleiboeker said. “As always, our Lady Eagles will need to show heart, hustle, and scrappiness on the court to achieve the goals they have already set in place.”
Macie Crowther and Ayla Renkoski return after each earned all-conference honors last season.
Crowther averaged 11.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game on her way to second-team all-conference honors as a junior.
“Macie’s greatest asset on the court is her presence. What she does with that and how she exhibits her strength will determine if she meets her individual goals,” Kleiboeker said. “
Renkoski enters her senior season coming off a year where she averaged 10.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.3 steals per game on her way to honorable mention all-conference honors.
“Ayla is a well-rounded player who has a high investment in this program. Her leadership will greatly impact the younger players this year,” Kleiboeker said.
These two will be the only seniors on the roster.
“The seniors will be expected to take on the typical “senior leader” role,” Kleiboeker said. “This being their final season as a Pierce City Lady Eagle will decide what type of legacy they will leave behind for others to follow. They will need to lead well vocally, but also through their actions.”
The junior quartet of Addison Avondet, Lilli Lasker, Faron Linn and Paige Fenske return as well.
Avondet averaged 4.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game as a sophomore.
“Addison Avondet is a competitor who can read the court extremely well,” Kleiboeker said. “She plays intelligently and looks to set her teammates and herself up for success.”
Lasker contributed 7.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.7 steals last season.
“Lili Lasker is an incredible asset to our team,” Kleiboeker said. “Her ability to play defense and fearlessness in tough game situations is a difference maker.”
Linn led the junior group in scoring at 10 points per game with 6.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.7 steals.
“Faron Linn loves the game of basketball and it shows on the court,” Kleiboeker said. “She is a scrappy player who has the potential to make big plays.”
Fenske is a strong defensive player.
“Paige Fenske will be getting more time on the court this year as a defensive specialist,” Kleiboeker said. “She is tough and leaves everything on the court.”
There are numerous freshmen and sophomores who will vie for varsity time.
“We have a large group of underclassmen that have the potential to make their mark on our program,” Kleiboeker said. “I am looking forward to seeing how they individually stick out in regard to their effort, energy, and enthusiasm as the season progresses.”
Pierce City opens the regular season on Nov. 25 at Cassville.
“Our word this year is “answer.”,” Kleiboeker said. “The girls will be called upon in different ways this season. They will be asked to overcome adversity, step up in tight game situations, lead on/off the court, etc. How they answer will ultimately determine the success of the upcoming season.”
